Nuno Valente hoping for one more year

Defender fully recovered from injury

Former Portugal international Nuno Valente admits that it is likely he will leave Everton this summer, but hopes to play one more season before hanging up his boots.

The 34-year-old has not featured for the Toffees since August, having endured an injury-blighted campaign, and accepts it is highly unlikely manager David Moyes will look to extend his current deal at Goodison Park beyond this summer.

“It’s not an easy situation,” told Record. “I would like to play one more season in England or elsewhere. It has been a complicated year, with two injuries and an operation, but happily I have recovered completely and I have been working with the team for over a month.

“The coaches and the manager have always supported me, but I understand that they would be doubtful about renewing my contract, as I have not played for almost a year. I always believed that I could return to playing, and I am ready to do so.”

Although highly unlikely to be involved himself, Valente’s side travel to the capital to meet Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup at Wembley this weekend. “All the players are motivated and we believe we can win,” concluded the former Porto man.